CRUCIAL THEORIES
The fight for equity and increased access to education is a battle that is fought on many fronts. Policy and advocacy play important roles. However, equally important is an examination of the way learning is approached in the classroom. What can facilitators and educators do to better provide inclusive, meaningful learning experiences for all learners? The theories in this section provides some ideas.
You can click each of the theories below to learn more.
You can click each of the theories below to learn more.
Critical Race Theory
The history and experiences of populations marginalized because of race, class, and gender are often fragmented and incomplete. Critical Race Theory assumes that racism is endemic, institutional, and systemic, and that it is a fundamental way of organizing our society. Once it is accepted that many social foundations are built upon racist ideas, we can work to dismantle oppressive systems and rebuild.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culturally responsive teaching is based on the premise that individuals' personal and cultural backgrounds are what drive their motivation to learn. The framework for culturally responsive teaching provides a methodology for establishing learning environments that are inclusive and acknowledge the wide array of motivations for learning.
Transformative Learning Theory
Implicit in transformative learning theory is the idea that perspectives can change. Transformative learning theory provides a framework for helping learners to make meaning out of their experiences and the "disorienting dilemmas" they may face and to evolve their assumptions and identities.